Development of a Polymer-Based Biodegradable Neurovascular Stent Prototype: A Preliminary In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Omid Nikoubashman*, Sarah Heringer, Katalin Feher, Marc-Alexander Brockmann, Bernd Sellhaus, Alice Dreser, Kathrin Kurtenbach, Rastislav Pjontek, Stefan Jockenhoevel, Joachim Weis, Fabian Kiessling, Thomas Gries, Martin Wiesmann

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Biodegradable stents are not established in neurovascular interventions. In this study, mechanical, radiological, and histological characteristics of a stent prototype developed for neurovascular use are presented. The elasticity and brittleness of PLA 96/4, PLDL 70/30, PCL, and PLGA 85/15 and 10/90 polymers in in vitro experiments are first analyzed. After excluding the inapt polymers, degradability and mechanical characteristics of 78 PLGA 85/15 and PLGA 10/90 stent prototypes are analyzed. After excluding PLGA 10/90 stents because of rapid loss of mass PLGA 85/15 stents in porcine in vivo experiments are analyzed. Angiographic occlusion rates 7 d, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after stent implantation are assessed. Histological outcome measures are the presence of signs of inflammation, endothelialization, and the homogeneity of degradation after six months. One case of stent occlusion occurs within the first 7 d. There is a prominent foreign-body reaction with considerable mononuclear and minor granulocytic inflammation combined with incomplete fragmental degradation of the struts. It is possible to produce a stent prototype with dimensions that fit the typical size of carotid arteries. Major improvements concerning thrombogenicity, degradation, and inflammatory response are required to produce biodegradable stents that are suitable for neurovascular interventions.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1700292
Number of pages6
JournalMacromolecular Bioscience
Volume18
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2018

Keywords

  • biodegradable polymers
  • bioresorbable
  • neurovascular
  • PLGA
  • stent
  • DRUG-ELUTING STENTS
  • BIORESORBABLE VASCULAR SCAFFOLDS
  • OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY
  • FOLLOW-UP
  • CORONARY
  • ENDOTHELIALIZATION
  • IMPLANTATION
  • PARADIGM
  • TRIAL

Cite this